Voice of the Diaspora
Alondra from Estado de México: A Mexican's Warm Embrace of Indian Culture
A local Mexican woman shares her growing love for Indian food, festivals, and dreams of visiting the Taj Mahal
Hello! Could you introduce yourself—your name and where you're from?
Hello, my name is Alondra Gallegos and I'm from Mexico, Estado de México.
How did you find the Holi event so far?
I think it's very good. I really liked the food they provided for breakfast—it was delicious.
Do you like Indian food in general?
Yes, I like it a lot. This is the third time I've tried Indian food, and I really like it each time. It's become something I genuinely enjoy.
What's your favorite Indian dish?
I like samosas a lot, and butter chicken—pollo con mantequilla. Yes, that one and chai too. Chai is wonderful!
Do you prepare Indian food at home often, or do you go to restaurants? How do you enjoy it?
Yes, I've made it at home before, and even this year too. I love trying to recreate those flavors in my own kitchen. It's fun to experiment with the spices and ingredients.
Have you been to other Indian festivals or celebrations before this Holi event?
Yes, I've celebrated Diwali before, and I love joining Indian events. It's so joyful and colorful—the lights, the sweets, the celebrations. It's a beautiful experience every time.
I think it's very good. I really liked the food they provided for breakfast—it was delicious.
Do you like Indian food in general?
Yes, I like it a lot. This is the third time I've tried Indian food, and I really like it each time. It's become something I genuinely enjoy.
What's your favorite Indian dish?
I like samosas a lot, and butter chicken—pollo con mantequilla. Yes, that one and chai too. Chai is wonderful!
Do you prepare Indian food at home often, or do you go to restaurants? How do you enjoy it?
Yes, I've made it at home before, and even this year too. I love trying to recreate those flavors in my own kitchen. It's fun to experiment with the spices and ingredients.
Have you been to other Indian festivals or celebrations before this Holi event?
Yes, I've celebrated Diwali before, and I love joining Indian events. It's so joyful and colorful—the lights, the sweets, the celebrations. It's a beautiful experience every time.
Do you speak any Hindi or have you picked up some phrases from your Indian friends?
A little bit! I've learned some basic Hindi words and phrases because I love the language and culture. It's fun to surprise my Indian friends when I speak a few words in Hindi.
What do you love most about Indian culture that draws you in?
Indian culture is fascinating—the festivals, music, dances, spirituality. It's so rich and vibrant, and the people are so warm and welcoming. There's always something new to discover and learn.
Would you like to visit India one day? Which places are on your bucket list?
Yes, definitely! I'd love to see the Taj Mahal—it's so beautiful and romantic. Also Varanasi for the spiritual experience, Rajasthan's palaces and colorful markets, Kerala's beaches and backwaters, and Delhi's bustling markets and historical sites. Everything! I want to experience it all.
What message would you like to give to Indians reading this about Mexico and the cultural exchange between our countries?
I want to tell them that they're really cool people, very good vibes. I love spending time with people from India, and I'm so glad that Indians live in Mexico and share their culture with us, just as we share ours with them. This cultural exchange enriches both our communities. I really appreciate it a lot.
A little bit! I've learned some basic Hindi words and phrases because I love the language and culture. It's fun to surprise my Indian friends when I speak a few words in Hindi.
What do you love most about Indian culture that draws you in?
Indian culture is fascinating—the festivals, music, dances, spirituality. It's so rich and vibrant, and the people are so warm and welcoming. There's always something new to discover and learn.
Would you like to visit India one day? Which places are on your bucket list?
Yes, definitely! I'd love to see the Taj Mahal—it's so beautiful and romantic. Also Varanasi for the spiritual experience, Rajasthan's palaces and colorful markets, Kerala's beaches and backwaters, and Delhi's bustling markets and historical sites. Everything! I want to experience it all.
What message would you like to give to Indians reading this about Mexico and the cultural exchange between our countries?
I want to tell them that they're really cool people, very good vibes. I love spending time with people from India, and I'm so glad that Indians live in Mexico and share their culture with us, just as we share ours with them. This cultural exchange enriches both our communities. I really appreciate it a lot.
Interview conducted at a Holi celebration in Mexico City, March 2026